The ReviewerCard Is Quite Possibly the Worst Idea Ever

Okay, so let me see if I got this straight: There's a guy who started a company called ReviewerCard. And according to a Los Angeles Times story, the business model involves issuing "IDs to prolific online reviewers to help them get better service than the rest of us." Wait, seriously? Explain that again. You're going to walk into a restaurant or hotel and flash your ReviewerCard so you can get better service, better food, and a bigger room?

"I'm going to review them anyway so why not let them know in advance? It's not hurting anyone," saidBrad Newman, the company's founder, in the article. No, you're not killing anyone, but what you are essentially doing is blackmailing a restaurant and hotel--threatening them with a bad review if special treatment is not given.

This is quite possibly the worst idea ever. The good thing is that no one would ever buy one of these cards that Newman is selling for $100, right? Oh God, no! You bought one? According to the article, Newman has already verified and issued 100 cards to "worthy seekers." Worthy seekers (that would be you) are people who have "demonstrated they've posted numerous reviews on a variety of digital destinations." Oh, you mean people like those crazy Yelpers and Trip Advisors? Relax, I'm sure you're not one of those online reviewers. You're one of the honest ones. So then why did you buy a ReviewerCard? Because you want better service than the rest of us. Because you want a complimentary slice of key lime pie after your meal?

Take it from someone who eats out for a living--you don't want to be noticed or treated special. It's awkward--the incessant "how is everything?" from nervous servers, the need to eat every last bit of food so as not offend the chef, the stares from the kitchen--and it can ruin your meal. Plus, if every time you go out you're treated like a king or queen, what are you going to complain about online?

One last word of caution: If you do decide to flash your card at a restaurant owned by one of those temperamental chefs you see on TV, be ready for a swift punch in the nose--or at least be ready to be shown the door. I'm not sure they really care about your card or your review. And neither do I.